Pakistan will look to seal the three-match T20I series when they face Sri Lanka in the second encounter at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday, October 11. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, must produce a stronger all-round performance to level the series and take the contest into a decider.

Pakistan lead the series 1-0 after securing a four-wicket victory in the opening match on October 9. Sahibzada Farhan starred with the bat, scoring 89 off 53 deliveries as the hosts chased down Sri Lanka's target of 183 in 18.5 overs.

Sri Lanka had earlier posted 182/8, thanks largely to Lahiru Udara's impressive 91 off 55 balls. However, Pakistan's batting depth and Farhan's commanding innings proved decisive in the chase.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 2nd T20I: Match Details

Pakistan Look to Seal the Series

Pakistan will enter the second T20I with confidence after their successful run chase in the opening encounter. Captain Sahibzada Farhan made an immediate impact in the series, anchoring the innings with 89 runs and building a crucial 92-run partnership with Maaz Sadaqat.

Sadaqat also impressed with 50 off 29 balls, providing Pakistan with the momentum needed to stay ahead of the required run rate. Fakhar Zaman contributed 21 off 13 deliveries at the top of the order.

Pakistan's bowling unit also produced important contributions. Naseem Shah claimed three wickets for 36 runs, while Mohammad Imran Randhawa picked up two wickets on his T20I debut.

The hosts will look to maintain the same intensity with both bat and ball. Another victory would give Pakistan an unassailable 2-0 lead and secure the series before the third T20I.

Sri Lanka Need a Complete Performance

Sri Lanka will have to address several issues after losing the opening match despite posting a competitive total.

Lahiru Udara was the standout performer, scoring 91 runs and keeping the innings moving at an impressive rate. However, early wickets restricted the visitors' ability to build partnerships around him.

Captain Kusal Mendis was dismissed for just one run, while Kamil Mishara and Sahan Arachchige were unable to make substantial contributions. The middle order will need to provide greater support if Sri Lanka are to challenge Pakistan again.

Their bowling also requires improvement. Maheesh Theekshana conceded 36 runs in four overs, while Eshan Malinga finished with two wickets for 33 runs. Sri Lanka will need better execution in the middle and death overs to prevent Pakistan from controlling another chase.

A victory in Rawalpindi would level the series at 1-1 and ensure that the third T20I determines the winner.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka: Last Five T20I Matches

Pakistan's Recent Form

Recent form: W-L-W-L-W (newest first).

Pakistan have won three of their last five completed T20Is in this sample. Their latest victory over Sri Lanka will provide additional confidence heading into the second match.

Sri Lanka's Recent Form

Recent form: L-L-W-L-L (newest first).

Sri Lanka have lost four of these five encounters. Their victory in January shows they can challenge Pakistan, but the visitors will need more consistent batting contributions and improved bowling discipline to level the current series.

Note: These tables show the recent-match sample available from published scorecards and are not intended to represent every T20I played by either team during the period.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Head-to-Head Record in T20Is

Pakistan hold the advantage in the overall T20I head-to-head record. Their four-wicket victory in the first match of this series extended that advantage, although Sri Lanka have demonstrated that they can compete when their batting unit performs collectively.

Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium Pitch Report

The Rawalpindi surface produced an entertaining batting contest in the opening T20I, with both teams scoring more than 180 runs.

Pakistan successfully chased 183 in 18.5 overs, suggesting that batters can score freely when they settle at the crease. Sri Lanka will take encouragement from Udara's innings, but their bowlers must find ways to create pressure through disciplined lines, changes of pace and timely wickets.

Fast bowlers could benefit from early movement, while spinners will need to vary their pace and lengths. Conditions under lights and the possibility of dew could also influence the captain's decision at the toss.

Probable Playing XIs for Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 2nd T20I

The following are probable line-ups based on the squads and first-match selections. They are not confirmed playing XIs; final selections should be updated after the toss.

Pakistan Probable Playing XI

1. Sahibzada Farhan (c)

2. Fakhar Zaman

3. Maaz Sadaqat

4. Hasan Nawaz

5. Saim Ayub

6. Khawaja Nafay (wk)

7. Shadab Khan

8. Mohammad Imran Randhawa

9. Razaullah

10. Naseem Shah

11. Abrar Ahmed

Pakistan are expected to retain much of the combination that secured victory in the opening match. Farhan and Sadaqat will be important to the batting effort, while Naseem Shah will lead the pace attack.

Sri Lanka Probable Playing XI

1. Lahiru Udara

2. Kusal Mendis (c & wk)

3. Kamil Mishara

4. Kamindu Mendis

5. Sahan Arachchige

6. Dasun Shanaka

7. Dunith Wellalage

8. Maheesh Theekshana

9. Dushmantha Chameera

10. Eshan Malinga

11. Nuwan Thushara

Sri Lanka may look to retain the core of their first-match XI. Udara will be central to their batting plans, while Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis will need to provide stability through the middle overs. The bowling attack must also improve its control when defending a competitive total.

Players to Watch

Sahibzada Farhan (Pakistan): The Pakistan captain's 89 in the first T20I made him the leading batter to watch. His ability to score quickly without losing his wicket early could again shape the chase.

Lahiru Udara (Sri Lanka): Udara's 91 demonstrated his ability to handle Pakistan's attack. Sri Lanka will hope he can reproduce that form while receiving stronger support from the other batters.

Naseem Shah (Pakistan): His three-wicket performance in the opener gave Pakistan an important advantage. Early breakthroughs could prevent Sri Lanka from building another substantial total.

Maheesh Theekshana (Sri Lanka): The spinner will be looking for a more economical spell after conceding 36 runs in the opening game. His performance in the middle overs could be important in restricting Pakistan's scoring.

What to Expect

Pakistan have the opportunity to close out the series at home, while Sri Lanka face a must-win contest if they want to remain in contention. The hosts will look to build on their successful chase, but Sri Lanka have already shown through Udara's innings that they can put pressure on the Pakistan bowling attack.

The visitors' chances will depend on stronger contributions from their top order and greater discipline with the ball. Pakistan, meanwhile, will aim to maintain their momentum and secure the series before the final T20I.

The second T20I is scheduled for October 11 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, with the third match scheduled for October 13.